Massachusetts health officials have put forth a proposal that, if accepted, would allow nurse practitioners to recommend medical cannabis to those with a qualifying condition who may benefit from the medicine. Currently that authority is exclusive to physicians.

According to the Associated Press, public hearings on the proposed rule change have been scheduled for Tuesday in Boston and on Thursday in Holyoke.

Under the proposed rules, nurse practitioners would be allowed to recommend medical cannabis to adult patients the same as physicians; however, minors would still need to get a recommendation from an actual physician, not a nurse practitioner.

The proposed change to the state’s medical cannabis program comes just days after portions of Question 4 took effect, legalizing the possess, use and personal cultivation of cannabis for those 21 and older.

Although cannabis has been legalized for recreational purposes, the new law doesn’t interfere with the state’s medical cannabis law. Question 4 legalized cannabis retail outlets, but medical cannabis dispensaries will continue to operate in the state simultaneously with these outlets.

The recreational retail outlets were expected to be open in January, but Charlie Baker a few days ago signed legislation that delays the opening of these outlets by six months; the law was passed through the legislature without public input, and with a large portion of the body not in attendance.

In November, New York’s Health Department announced that they would be allowing nurse practitioners to recommend medical cannabis; however, unlike the recently proposed changes by Massachusetts officials, New York’s change also allows physician assistants to recommend the plant.

Whether it was from a hangover or a haze, Los Angeles (and the world) woke up to the greenest and greatest holiday greeting of all: “Happy New Year from Hollyweed!”

A pot-loving prankster, who is still at large, transformed the O’s into E’s on the iconic hilltop sign overnight using peace-sign stamped tarps — obviously paying homage to the passage of marijuana-legalizing Proposition 64 and their practical-joking predecessor Danny Finegood.

As The Cannabist shared last year, “On Jan. 1, 1976, the same day California’s relaxed marijuana law took effect, the Cal State Northridge student had a plan to alter the sign by using $50 of curtains and a couple friends. And it worked, giving Hollywood a Hollyweed sign for a short time.”

The stunt was his project for an art class assignment, for which he earned an A.

“The vandal, dressed in all black, was recorded by security cameras and could face a misdemeanor trespassing charge, said Sgt. Robert Payan. The person scaled a protective fence surrounding the sign above Griffith Park and then clambered up each giant letter to drape the coverings, Payan said.”

We’ll update this story if our already-hero of the year is apprehended. Until then, below are a few of our favorite reactions because the Internet is still losing its mind over the incident (warranted):

“I thought it was kinda clever,” said Katie Couric on her first day back as a guest-host on NBC’s “Today”.

BRANFORD, Conn. — The nation’s first hospice plans to study how medical marijuana can help dying patients.

Officials from Connecticut Hospice Inc. in Branford said Monday they hope to improve pain management while also reducing opioid use in palliative care.

They also want to decrease nausea and vomiting while improving patients’ appetites and overall well-being.

Last week, St. Francis Hospital in Hartford announced it received state approval to begin studying the effectiveness of medical marijuana as a painkiller for traumatic injuries.

Connecticut Hospice Inc. says it has federal approval for its study.

A recent state law enables research into the benefits of medical marijuana to be vetted by a new institutional review board and okayed by the state’s Department of Consumer Protection commissioner. Connecticut’s medical marijuana program allows such research to take place.

Planning to enjoy cannabis? A rolling joint is no longer that hip in today’s modern times.

If you plan on taking your joint outside the house, the most popular way to do it is by using portable vaporizers.

Unlike the desktop vaporizers, the best portable vaporizers are handy, while some other versions can even be discreet. Some might even be mistaken for a phone, making vaping enjoyable without the unnecessary attention.

But not all portable vaporizers are equal. There are those options that offer better overall experience to its users.

Here are some of the best portable vaporizers of 2017.

#1: Mighty Vaporizer By Storz and Bickel

Made by the same company that made the Volcano, this product doesn’t disappoint. Unlike most portable devices that are considered conduction vaporizers, the Mighty is convection and conduction type portable vaporizer. It is a hybrid vaporizer that brings twice the battery life and capacity than Crafty, its smaller counterpart.

Because of its size, the Mighty can bring the heat without the aid of a separate app. Heat up time takes around 1:30 to 2:00 minutes which is quite faster than the Crafty. In contrast to other portable vaporizers, this can be considered a bit slow, since a lot of portable vaporizers can easily heat up at one minute mark. However, you’ll notice that the Mighty can provide much more consistent temperature during draws.

The chamber size of the Mighty can hold around 0.2 grams of dry herb, while it can extend to 0.3 grams if you grind the herb quite fine. This can give you around 5-6 hits. And because of the size of the Mighty, it was able to accommodate a decent sized battery that can give you a good number of sessions before it gets drained. You can get around 8 sessions from this device.

But of course, if you are the type of enthusiast who is particular about being discreet in public, its size can be a problem. And coming from the same makers as the Volcano, expect that this product can be quite pricey.

#2: Pax 2 By Pax Labs

Considered by many critics as one of the best functioning portable vaporizers, Pax by Ploom is a vaporizer for dry herbs. It is a user-friendly, discreet and high-quality product that fits more or less in your hand.

It is an efficient device. The chamber can hold around 0.2 to 0.4 grams, and could already give you 10 to 20 draws. You can use this device for an hour. Ploom also has a 10-year warranty for this device.

To use the Pax portable vaporizer, you can just push the mouthpiece, and it becomes ready for sessions. Once the mouthpiece pops up, the heater also warms up immediately, and the device is ready to use within a minute.

#3: K-Vape By Kandypens

Another portable vaporizer on our list is the K-Vape by Kandypen portable vaporizers. Kandypen portable vaporizers are available in different colours. This portable vaporizer has a discreet simplified design that looks like a lipstick.

Just like any other vape pen design, it makes use of an atomizer to heat the material. It produces decent sized clouds with a slight relative draw. Unlike most vaporizers in the market that make use of ceramic chambers, the K-Vape made use of quartz to prevent absorption of the concentrated. This prevents any weird burnt taste on your draws. What it provides users is a purer and cleaner tasting vapor.

The capacity of K-Vape is at around 0.3 grams which allow you to get around more than 30 hits depending on how long you draw from the device. To get good sized clouds on your draw, you’ll need to give do at least around 5-second draws.

Despite the small design, the device offers three temperature options that you could choose from. It is also colour coded to give you an idea if the device is on low, medium or high settings.

#4: G Pen Elite By Grenco Science

Grenco Science is one of those brands that made a reputation for making generic portable vaporizers straight from Alibaba. The G-Pen Elite, on the other hand, is a bit different than other products from Grenco Science. It is considered by critics as the device that showcased a “monumental leap in technology”.

The G Pen Elite is a vaporizer that has been designed for flowers. It measures around 3 inches which make the device handy and comfortable to use. The device can handle around 0.75 grams in its ceramic heating chamber. According to the company, it is a combination of both conduction and convection system.

The device can heat up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit in just half a minute. The mouthpiece functions as an airflow restrictor. But it was made for a good reason. If not for the air restriction function of the mouthpiece, the vapor would’ve been too hot. The downside about the G Pen Elite is that it has minimal room for cooling.

#5: Arizer Air By Arizer

The Arizer Air is the updated and improved version of the Arizer Solo portable vaporizer. You can get around an hour of vaping with the Arizer Air. This device can be used even while it is being charged. Also, it has a safety feature which turns the device off right after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Regarding components, the Arizer Air has a ceramic chamber and glass components. This helps keep the vapor to be pure. It has five temperature settings, not to mention one button to control everything. 374 and 394 degrees Fahrenheit are two of the best options that provide the best tasting vapor.

There’s not much draw resistance from the Arizer Air. To get maximum vapor, you can do 5-10 second draws.

#6: Firefly 2 By Firefly Vapor

Last but not least on our list of best portable vaporizers for 2017 is the Firefly. The first impression on the Firefly is that it looks like a flip camera. Rounded in size, the Firefly is a portable device that isn’t quite discreet because of its size. It has a sleek design though which gives it a modern feel.

It heats the material via convection method. Since the material isn’t in direct contact with the device’s heater, it helps create the best tasting vapor. This means that the material doesn’t get combusted and you get clean vapor. The downside is that it may take a bit of time before the herbs are heated up.

What is your Vaporizer? Comment below and share it with us!

Related

San Diego has become the first city in California where legislation has been introduced to allow currently operating medical cannabis dispensaries the ability to sell to everyone 21 and older until the industry’s statewide recreational use regulations have been finalized.

The proposed ordinance also establishes rules and guidelines for recreational cannabis outlets, which are expected to open sometime in the first half of 2018. These rules are practically identical to the rules in place for medical cannabis dispensaries; this includes a requirement of being 1,000 feet from public parks, schools, daycare centres, churches, playgrounds, libraries and – ridiculously enough – residential neighborhoods. The rules also limit the company’s marketing and branding potential by prohibiting the use of symbols or graphics such as the cannabis leaf.

“While we haven’t completed a detailed review of this proposal, the city’s highly restrictive zoning for medical cannabis dispensing has proven effective at protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and using the existing restrictions as the model for these new regulations is a good starting point,” said Phil Rath of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition. “We look forward to engaging this process moving forward to ensure the regulations are clear, enforceable and allow our members to continue to operate peacefully in our respective communities.”

The proposal would allow the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries to become distributors of both medical and recreational cannabis once the market has been established; Colorado took a similar approach.

In California the possession and use of up to an ounce of cannabis, and the personal cultivation of up to six cannabis plants, is legal thanks to last month’s passage of Proposition 64. Cannabis retail outlets are also allowed under the initiative, but as mentioned above won’t be open until sometime in 2018.

In San Diego there are currently 15 licensed cannabis dispensaries.
Published at Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:58:34 +0000

When it comes to purchasing medical marijuana, most patients head to the dispensary and pick up pre-rolls or buds. What many don’t realise is that ensuring you have the proper strain and highest quality product starts long before you shop. Just as gardeners have learned that growing vegetables from seed is best, MMJ growers are finding more success in starting with seeds rather than cloned plants

I should know. I was diagnosed with five eye diseases and Multiple Sclerosis by the age of 30. After battling the harsh side effects of my doctor-prescribed medications, I began experimenting with medical marijuana as a natural alternative. Medical cannabis is something that helps me cope with day to day life. It reduces the tremors and shakes from the MS and relieves the headaches and eye pain from my glaucoma. MMJ allows me to be a normal member of society without being in a drug induced coma from my prescription medication.

I have spent the past decade researching the genetics of marijuana strains. I’m self-taught but being a patient myself, I’ve experimented with dozens of combos and pinpointed the specific strains that are most beneficial for specific health issues.

I believe that MMJ has the ability to change modern medicine as we know it. I think about all those senior citizens out there battling some pretty devastating illnesses and between the costs of the drugs being prescribed and the side effects, MMJ is really a much better alternative for them.

As one of today’s most successful cannabis seed producers, Edward Clarizio of The Cali Connection, came into the business honestly. A medicinal user himself, he pushes genetic marijuana breeding boundaries and is widely accepted as a pioneer in the creation of new marijuana strains. He is the second oldest supplier of cannabis seeds in America and the oldest in California and holds more than 50 High Times Cannabis Cup wins.
Published at Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:36:18 +0000

You may remember in our previous post, that Mexico was set to vote on legalizing medicinal marijuana. While there was concern that other issues would take precedence over the marijuana legislation, the Senate was able to come to a decision on the new bill.

In a landslide victory of 98-7, medicinal cannabis was voted to pass. As we previously reported, the focus of this bill was to expand access to CBD. However, this bill, also allows a small percentage (1% or less) of THC to be present in medicinal products.

The bills allows opens access for researchers to continue studies regarding the medicinal properties of marijuana and the ability to grow cannabis for this purpose.

“It’s been years that we’ve been fighting for acknowledgment and approval and recognition of the medical and therapeutic uses of cannabis, and today we finally have something,” said Lisa Sanchez, director of drug policy for Mexico Unido Contra la Delincuencia, according to Reuters.

You can find a full report here.
Published at Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:29:35 +0000

On November 8th Massachusetts voters approved Question 4 to legalize cannabis. Tonight at midnight, as it becomes December 15th, a huge part of that initiative takes effect.

Once it hits midnight, it will immediately become legal for everyone 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of cannabis; if at a private residence they can possess up to 10 ounces. They can also grow up to six plants.

At this point there is no legal outlet for those in the state to obtain cannabis, until the legal cannabis market is up and running (sometime next year). However, if somebody is already in possession of cannabis, or finds a way to obtain it, it won’t be legal for them to retain possession and consume it.

For those wanting the full details on the new law, the full text of Question 4 can be found by clicking here.

Anthony, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog, has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for Washington State Representative Dave Upthegrove. He has also been published by multiple media outlets, including the Seattle Times. He can be reached at TheJointBlog@TheJointBlog.com.

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• The connoisseur-grade cannabis market is real, and Californians are leading the charge.

TOP MARIJUANA NEWS

Exit interview: Obama talks marijuana in Rolling Stone: Marijuana should be treated as a public-health issue in the same vein as cigarettes or alcohol, President Barack Obama said in an interview with Rolling Stone. In this “exit interview” with the music and popular culture magazine, the outgoing president touched on a variety of topics — including marijuana — prior to the transfer of power to a president-elect Donald Trump and Republican-controlled House and Senate. –Report by The Cannabist’s Alicia Wallace

Grandma, grandpa, wanna talk weed? This new adult marijuana use study may shock you: Baby boomers are getting high in increasing numbers, reflecting growing acceptance of the drug as treatment for various medical conditions, according to a study published Monday in the journal Addiction. The findings reveal overall use among the 50-and-older study group increased “significantly” from 2006 to 2013. Marijuana users peaked between ages 50 to 64, then declined among the 65-and-over crowd. Men used marijuana more frequently than women, the study showed, but marital status and educational levels were not major factors in determining users. –Report by Kaiser Health News’s Carmen Heredia Rodriguez

Cannabist 2016 Gift Guide: 20 ideas for every enthusiast on your list: The holiday season has arrived, so we’re arming you with The Cannabist’s gift guide for 2016. It’s our third annual compilation — when shopping for weed gifts, it just keeps getting better and better. This year, a head shop revolution is changing the game with highly curated selections of stylish smoking accoutrements that actually fit into our lives. And as we suspected, haute couture is even more on board with the likes of Alexander Wang putting pot on the runway. Check out 20 gift ideas that make cannabis culture a regular part of our lifestyle. –Report by The Cannabist’s Katie Shapiro

QUICK HIT

Is legal weed flattening beer sales?: This bud’s a potential downer for beer. A research note issued by Cowen & Company financial analysts suggests that beer volume sales in the legal recreational cannabis states of Colorado, Oregon and Washington are under-performing the overall U.S. beer market by 2.6 percentage points year-to-date. “In adult-use cannabis markets, there are clear signs that cannabis is weighing on beer category trends,” Cowen analyst Vivien Azer wrote in the report. She also noted: “Mainstream beers are the biggest drag, while craft is also slowing. Imports look the most immune.” –Report by The Cannabist’s Alicia Wallace

POT QUIZ

Test your current-events knowledge about pot and pesticides, one of the most-utilized qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, Florida’s stake in the MMJ game and more.